A forest fire “out of control” exploded in the city of Old Fort of the West of North Carolina on Wednesday, only four months after the area was devastated by Hurricane Helene. From 4:30 pm, the fire, called Crooked Creek Fire, has burned 150 acres so far, emergency officials said and remained contained in 0%.
The evacuations are now underway in some areas in Strong oldwhich was among the cities most affected by Helene when she touched land at the end of September. Local evacuation orders can be found for residents here. An emergency shelter has been opened in 203 East Main Street and residents in impacted areas have urged evacuate to guarantee their safety, authorities said.
“Strong winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions,” said McDowell County emergency management in his last update. “Firefighters continue to focus on the protection of the structure for multiple homes in the area and continue working on the establishment of fire containment lines.”
The fire occurs after emergency management officials issued a wind notice that began at midnight on Wednesday. The authorities had warned 15 to 25 mPs winds with bursts of up to 50 mph that were expected to last until 6 pm today.
According WNCN CBS AffiliateThe initial reports indicate that the fire was initiated by a tree that fell on an electric line.
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